Updated: 2 March 2005

Anal cancer patients require careful early follow-up to assess whether the disease has been cured by combined modality therapy, as if it has not, they are often salvageable by abdominal perineal resection. Most patients who will achieve a complete response from chemotherapy and radiation therapy will do so within 6 weeks of the end of treatment however this may take longer in some. If suspicious thickening persists more than 8 weeks after the end of treatment, referral to a surgeon for evaluation and biopsy is recommended.

They should be seen as follows:

• First two years - every six- eight weeks
• Third year - every six months
• Fourth and fifth years – annually

On each visit the anus, rectum, pelvis, abdomen and lymph nodes should be examined. This may be supplemented by anoscopy and proctoscopy as required. Other investigations are not useful routinely, however should be used according to clinical suspicion.

For patients who present with metastatic disease, follow-up will be dependent upon their physical condition, disease related symptoms, and therapy instituted.